| Notes |
- From Richard Weiss, correspondent, note of 8 January 2020
Thomas Winslow Sprague
1839-1923
The Early Years
On October 31st, 1839 a blue-eyed, brown-haired,fair skinned baby boy was born in a home on Bear Hill Roadjust outside of Dover village in Maine. His parents namedhim Thomas Winslow Sprague after his paternal uncle. Thomaswas the oldest of four children, all sons, born to Jacob S.Sprague and Harriett Barrow Sprague.
He was the sixth great grandson of a Mayflower Passenger,Richard Warren, and three of his great grandfathers, JacobSprague (1737-1777), Samuel Griffin (1872-1797), andEphraim Barrows (1762-1839) fought in the RevolutionaryWar. Jacob Sprague was a privateer captured by the Britishand incarcerated in the horrific and inhumane prison shipsmoored in Halifax, British Territory, now Canada, where hedied, most likely of a combination of starvation, disease,and exposure.In the spring of 1863 Thomas traveled approximately 1,600miles west to visit a friend in Princeton, Minnesota, thenorthwestern frontier of the U.S and Indian territory. TheIndian Uprising of 1862 which started the U.S.-Dakota War,had just occurred. The trip would have taken 25 to 30 days.Who the friend Thomas was going to see is unknown. He wouldnever return to Maine.
The Military Years
Shortly after arriving in Princeton, MN, Thomas volunteeredon July 15th, 1863 and was enrolled (enlisted)on July 23rd, 1863 as a private into Hatch'sBattalion of Independent Minnesota Cavalry.Thomas reported for duty on August 10th,1863 at Fort Snelling where he received a $25 reportingbonus and was assigned to Company B. He also was promotedto sergeant that same day.
He would serve at Camp Hatch, Camp Sibley, Camp Rice,Pembina, Dakota Territory (D.T.) - now North Dakota, FortAbercrombie D.T, Twin Lakes Stockade, D.T. Old Crossing,MN, Alexandria MN Stockade, and Fort Snelling, MN.
Particular service experiences of interest:
The march from Fort Snelling to Pembina in the fall andwinter of 1863 was horrendous with windy, rainy and snowyconditions, temperatures often well below zero with the menand animals going hungry due to failure of supplies toarrive at locations along the path. Over 250 animals woulddie on the march.
Engagement of a group of Sioux camped near St. Jospeh D.T.- now Wahalla N.D.
Embarked onboard the steamer "Independence" and traveleddownstream -south - to Goose Rapids /Froy Point enroute toFort Abercrombie, D.T. on May 5th, 1863.
Thomas' medical record indicates he was sick January,February, April, May, August, and October 1864. His illnessin Oct was severe enough this time that he was relieved ofduty from Oct 2nd to 10th.Deployed to and built the Twin Lakes Stockade in Novemberand December 1864 .
Deployed Old Crossing during May and June of 1865.Promoted to Quarter Master Sergeant on July10th, 1865.
Deployed Alexandria, MN Stockade in April and May 1866.Muster out (discharged) from service at Fort Snelling onJune 9th, 1866.
From July 15th, 1863 to June 9th, 1866, Thomas had served 2years, 10 months, and 26 days in the Army, been promotedtwice, and "deployed" three times.
At 5' 10 ½" tall, 26 year old blue-eyed Thomas wasgregarious, liked to socialize, and dress nicely.During his final deployment to the Alexandriastockade, Thomas met Caroline Mary Cook. Twenty two yearold Caroline, and the rest of her family were pioneersettlers of Alexandria. Caroline and her parents hadrecently returned after evacuating to White Bear near St.Paul as a result of the Indian Uprising of 1862.
Caroline was born in London, England in 1844. Her fatherwas in the furs and silks business and her mother, who wasnoted to be exceptionally beautiful, was related toBenjamin Franklin. In 1853, when she was nine years old,Caroline and her family left London and sailed to New YorkCity before moving to Montreal, then Toronto and finallysettling Alexandria in 1859.
The Family Years
Thomas and Caroline, or Carrie as she was commonly knownamoungst family and friends, became engaged while Thomaswas deployed to Alexandria. Their engagment lasted acrossthe summer of 1866.Thomas immediately returned to Alexandria and was appointedas Alexandria's assessor on June 15th, 1866 whenboth Douglas County and Alexandria were formallyestablished.
Carrie was an Episcopalian and being married in anEpiscople Church was very important to her. In September1866 the happy couple traveled by stage to St. Cloud, MNwhere the closest Episcople church to Alexandria waslocated. Thomas and Carrie were married by Rev.George Stewart on Sept 19th, 1866 with Rev. J Clark and Mr.John H. Kelly witnessing. What Thomas' religious leaningswere is unknown.Thomas and Carrie set up their first home in Holmes City,MN as some of the original settlers of the township when itwas established on October 4th, 1866. Thomas waselected as the town clerk at the time that Holmes City wasformally established.
Thomas co-owned a general store with Louis Mendelhson whomhe came to dislike.
Daughter Caroline Harriett "Hattie" Sprague born July10th, 1867. Thomas sold out his stake in theshop to E. G. Holmes and the little family moved near LakeMary where they tried farming for two years.
Thomas ran for and was elected as Douglas County Treasureron the Republican ticket, serving three consecutive two (2)year terms from March 1st 1869 to February 28th, 1875.
Son Harry Winslow Sprauge was born August 8th,1869. Thomas and his family returned to Alexandria, mostlikely in the summer of 1870. Thomas and Carrieconducted real estate transactions as indiviuals and notas a couple.
Thomas opened and operated a livery and stage on the block87 lots, facing H Street between 6th and7th Avenue with a partner named Hammond orHammon. He bought, sold, and raced horses and ran a stageline from Alexandria to Benson, MN. Bob Torrence helped himrun the livery.
Daughter Edith Mary Sprague born August 6th,1871.Thomas' brother Bela Tower Sprague visited Thomas and hisfamily in 1871 and again 1872, staying several months eachtime.Father Jacob Sprague died suddenly and unexpectedlyDecember 8th, 1871 with a grandchild on hisknee. Thomas was listed as Esq (Esquire) in thenewspaper notice of his father's death.
Son Elmer Clarence Sprauge was born April7th,1874.Helped establish the Douglas County AgriculturalAssociation in 1874. In March 1875, when he turns over to the new Treasurer, anaudit of county funds shows a $10,000 shortfall. Thomaswrote a check to cover the the shortfall. The check bouncedand his property was seized to resolve the debt. Thisappears to all have occurred outside of the court system.
Thomas become a traveling sales man. Thomas soldargricultural machines for the Stoughton Wagon Co. ofStoughton, WI. His territory covered most ofMinnesota, northern Iowa, and both Dakota's. He also was anagent in Alexandria for the American Express company andsold sewing machines. Son Arthur Franklin "Frank" Sprague was born March 28th,1876, his middle name coming from his maternalgrandmother's maiden name.The 1875 Minnesota Census indicates the Sprague's wereliving in Ida Township in the LaGrand section viceAlexandria.
By 1880, Carrie had purchased a house on Lot 1 Section 27at the corner of C Street -now Cedar Street - and 9thAvenue.
Son Charles "Charlie" Cook Sprague born January10th, 1879, named after his maternalgrandfather, was born. Carrie was deathly ill following thebirth of Charles and took a long time to recover.
Thomas had been coming home from the road about once amonth. Carrie had learned that Thomas may have been"trifling with other women" while on the road and"reproached him". Thomas "got his dignity up", stated thata large family was a "disgrace and a burden on him." Hewent so far as to state the he would "rather lose an armthan have another child". Thomas later wrote aletter to Carrie stating they were now separated, to whichCarrie objected. Sadly, Carrie's accusations that Thomaswas involved with other women were true. Thomas lateradmitted to his son Frank the Carrie had grounds fordivorce.
Thomas appears to have deserted his family about October of1879, six months after Charles was born. Thomas himselfwould state on a military pension request form that helived in Alexandria in 1879 and Austin, MN in 1880.
On His Own in Minnesota
Exactly where Thomas was living after he deserted hisfamily in October 1879 is not clear though he seemed tomove around a lot. On his pension request of 1904, hestated that he was living in Austin, MN from 1880 to 1904.However, Carrie's and Hattie's later testimony indicatedthat for a time Thomas lived in St. Cloud with ThoraTorrence. Thora was the wife or former wife of Bob Torrencewho worked in the livery Thomas owned in the early 1870s.
On July 21st, 1880, his mother Harriett BarrowsSprague died.
On May 19th, 1881, the Douglas County News notes thatThomas was visiting his family an that he was coming fromFargo, D.T.He is listed as part of the family with Carrie andthe children in Alexandria in the 1880 U.S. Census and 1885Minnesota census.On January 20th, 1886 daughter Edith Marydied of consumption (tuberculosis). Thomas attended EdithMary's funeral and stayed for one month. He did not resumehis marital relations with Carrie.
He is listed as living on his own in Alexandria in the 1890U.S. Census.
Just like there are questions about Thomas' domicile from1880 to 1890, so too are there questions about theperceived nature of his separation from Carrie and hisfamily during the same time frame. Both Thomas and Carriehave provided conflicting dates for when the separationstarted – in 1879 after Charles was born, in 1886 afterEdith's funeral, or 1890 - and conflicting perspectives –a clear and decisive break with no return or a slow fadingaway with longer and longer absences until nothing exists.Thomas was still being listed with the family in censuses.And sometime in the mid-1880s, he made the statement thathe would never come home if Hattie married William Hill.The census listings and newspaper articles show Thomashadn't gone far and Thomas' statement indicates that anongoing interaction with the family, possibly about endingthe separation, may have been occurring.
It appears that after separating around October of 1879,Thomas would visit once every two or three months. He wouldstay only one night each visit. He kept this up tillshortly after Edith's death in 1886 after which when hevisited two times about six months apart and then ceasedvisiting till 1897 when he returned for Charles' funeraland explain Carrie's statement that "he didn't come homefor 10 years".
On July 3rd 1896, son Charles Cook Sprague diedunexpectedly of an undefined stomach illness. Thomasreturned to attend Charlie's funeral. He would stay foronly one night nor would he and Carrie resume their maritalrelations. After this visit, the family would lose track ofThomas for almost seven years.
With the pro-bono help of the offices of the AdjutantGeneral of Minnesota, Thomas filed for an Invalid(disability) Pension on May 23rd, 1904 underpension claim number 1317226 and listed his place ofresidence as Austin, Mower Co. MN. As part of thisdisability claim, Thomas stated that he was suffering froma rupture, bronchial trouble, and age. A later medicalevaluation indicates an inguinal hernia – or rupture - onhis right side, chronic orchitis which enlarged his righttesticle to twice the normal size, chronic bronchitis, norheumatism, a sound heart with no hypertension, "quiet inhis actions and movements" – he didn't shake - and had noavaricious habits – he wasn't a drunk or had sociallyunacceptable behaviors for the time - and no senility.Of note in his application Thomas listed Caroline ashis wife.
From the time of his desertion in 1879 till about 1905Thomas would occasionally send remittances to Carrie inorder to help support her and the children. Exactly whenand why he stopped sending Carrie support is another areathat lacks clarity. It roughly coincides with Carrie's moveto Tacoma, Washington in 1903 his application for amilitary Invalid Pension, and his move to the West Coast.
The West Coast Years
Between July and December 1904, Thomas moved to the westcoast, possibly moving first to Portland, OR beforearriving in the Walnut Creek, CA area by December 1904 whenhe filed a notice of his new address with the PensionBureau.
His Invalid Pension was approved on March 13th,1905 listing him as "partially invalid" and granting him apayment of $6.00 per month. The pension number was alsochanged to 1105500 and the servicing office changed to theSan Francisco.
On June 26th, 1905 with the help of AttorneysTierney & Co. out of Washington DC, Thomas filed to havehis level of disability increase adding rheumatism andrestating the hernia on his list of ailments. After an examby a doctor, on October 1st, 1905, his rate wasincreased to $8.00 per month effective October18th, 1905.
Thomas would reconnect with his family by accident. His sonArthur Franklin "Frank" bumped into Thomas on the streetsof Oakland in 1905. Thomas had moved and was now living ina little hotel. He was working as a salesman selling wagonsand buggies at the Kiel & Evan's Buggy Company.
Thomas was in the San Francisco Bay area for the earthquakeof 1806.Thomas applied for a further increase to his disabilitypayments on March 5th, 1907. On March29th, 1907, Thomas application was approved foran increase to $12 per month. His residence islisted as Oakland, CA.
The Keil & Evans Buggy Co. had moved to the SE Corner of4th Avenue and Franklin Street by 1906 and Thomas wasliving in the building where he worked. The 1908 OaklandCity Directory lists Thomas' occupation as floor managerand the 1909 City Directly listed him as a watchman.
Thomas registered to vote in 1908 as a Democrat with anaddress of 4th and Franklin.
He again applied for an increase to his disability paymentson November 1st, 1909 on "account of oldage". His application was approved for anincrease to $12 per month on November 17th, 1909backdated to November 8th, 1909. Hisaddress is the corner of 4th Avenue and FranklinStreet in Oakland, CA indicating he was still living andworking at Keil & Evans. He had worked for them for aboutfive years.
Sometime after filing his increase request in 1909, Thomasmoved to a little ranch two miles outside of Cloverdale,Sonoma Co., CA. Frank would later testify that Thomas movedin 1907 but Thomas' pension filing, voter registrationrecords, city directories, and obituary prove he movedbetween 1909 and 1912, most likely in 1909 or 1910.In Cloverdale, Thomas lived by himself and raised chickens.Frank would occasionally visit and bring him supplies.Where his home was located in Cloverdale is unknown.
Thomas again applied for a pension increase on May28th, 1912 listing his mailing address asCloverdale, CA. His request was approved in February 1913,raising the amount to $24 per month effective June3rd, 1912, worth about $635 in late 2019.In 1912, Thomas registered to vote as a Democrat inCloverdale No. 2 Precinct.
His brother Charles August Sprague died November6th, 1913. Thomas receives $500 from the estate.Sometime between June 1912 and his birthday on October31st, 1914, Thomas moved to Rt 4 Box 21, SantaRosa, CA Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co. CA where he continued tolive alone in a shack– "batchin'" as both Carrie and hisgranddaughter Blanche called it - and raising chickens athis White Cabin Hatchery.
The Hon. Knute Nelson, U.S. Senator from Minnesota,intervened on Thomas' behalf in 1914. Another pensionincrease to $30 per month was granted on March25th, 1915 effective October 31st,1914.
On January 4th, 1915, Thomas requested areplacement pension certificate. On the response form hefilled out on March 26th, 1915 to obtain his newcertificate he stated that he had been separated fromCarrie for 25 years but there was no divorce.In July 1915 Carrie applied for and was granted 50% ofThomas' military pension. Thomas was aware of Carrie'spending claim because he told Frank that he did not objectto Carrie receiving this benefit and that he still thoughthighly of her.
Thomas moved to Graton, CA in 1916 and moved back to SantaRosa in 1917.
On Monday April 2nd, 1917, Thomas returned toCloverdale for a visit. Who he was visiting isunknown.In 1918, Thomas registered to vote as a Democrat in theLewis Precinct, Rt 5 Santa Rosa, CA.
His son Frank and granddaughter Blanche Mildred Hill Hardyvisited Thomas in Santa Rosa in September 1918. Thomas wasworking as a night watchman for a fruit preservationcompany.
Thomas registering to vote as a Democrat in 1920 and1922 elections, still voting in the Lewis Precinct. Hisaddress was listed as Rt 5 Box 55 Santa Rosa, CA and hisoccupation was farmer.
Rt 5 Box 55 became 700 Carr Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA. Thomasowned the property free and clear. He sold out his propertyand chicken farm then spent several months with Frank athis home on 930 Van Hess Ave in San Francisco beforeentering the Disabled Volunteer Soldiers U.S. National Homein Sawtelle, CA on October 28th, 1922.His occupation when he was admitted was listed assalesman.Thomas caught the flu and pneumonia in March 1923. As theend of Thomas' life approached during this final illness,Frank and Blanche were making arrangements to take Carrieto see Thomas one last time.Sadly, Thomas died March 8th, 1923 before thereunion with Carrie could occur. Just before he died, hetold the staff at Sawtelle that he had a wife and that shewas his next of kin.
Thomas was buried in the Los Angeles National Cemetery insection 44, row B, plot 6 on March 12th, 1923.His son Frank attended his funeral but Carrie, his daughterHattie, granddaughter Blanche, and two-year-old greatgranddaughter Pat Hardy did not attend. Whetherhis other sons or family attended his funeral isunknown.
At the time of his death Thomas and Carrie had sixchildren – four living, nine grandchildren – eightliving, and three great grandchildren – all living.
Thomas designated J.T. Summers as the executor of hisestate. They had previously worked together in Minnesotathough what business concerns they had going are unknown.Thomas left Carrie one dollar and split the rest of hisestate between his surviving children.Thomas and Carrie's progeny continue to grow, totaling 76descendants known as of January 2020, almost 100 yearsafter his death.
References – Grouped by Type
Vital Records
Dover, Foxcroft, Piscataquis County, Maine. Records ofBirths and Deaths in the Town of Dover, 1792– 1854. Volume1, p. 21 and 89.Stearns County, Minnesota, Clerk of the District Court.Marriage Records, 1865-1867, marriage license for ThomasWinslow Sprague and Caroline Cook, 19 SEP 1866. St. Cloud,Douglas County, Minnesota, Volume B, p. 262
Census
1850 U.S. Census (population schedule). Dover, Piscataquis,Maine, Page 586. Roll: M432_267; Page: 293B; Image: 234.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedNOV 2019 1860 U.S. Census (population schedule). Foxcroft,Piscataquis, Maine, Page 37. Roll: M653_433; Page: 793;Image: 37; Family History Library Film: 803433.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedNOV 2019
1870 U.S. Census (population schedule). Alexandria, DouglasCounty, Minnesota, Page 4. Roll: T132_3; Page: 964; Image:245770; Family History Library Film: 830423.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedNOV 2019 1875 Minnesota State Census, 1875 (populationschedule), Ida Township, La Grand Section, Douglas County,Minnesota, sheet 1 (page 499) http://www.ancestry.com,subscription database
1880 U.S. Census (population schedule). Alexandria, DouglasCounty, Minnesota, Page 6, Supervisor District 2,Enumeration District 14. Roll: 618; Family History Film:1254618; Page: 484B; Image: 0654. http://www.ancestry.com,subscription database, accessed NOV 20191885 Minnesota State Census, 1885 (population schedule),Alexandria Village, Douglas County, Minnesota, sheet 1.1890 U.S. Census (special schedule). Surviving Soldiers,Sailors, and Marines, and Widows, etc., Alexandria, DouglasCounty, Minnesota, ED 103, sheet 1. Series Number: M123.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedNOV 2019
1900 U.S. Census (population schedule). Alexandria, DouglasCounty, Minnesota, Sheet 2, Supervisor District 134,Enumeration District 30. Roll: 762; Page: 2B; FHLmicrofilm: 1240762. http://www.ancestry.com, subscriptiondatabase, accessed NOV 2019
1920 U.S. Census (population schedule). Santa Rosa, Sonoma,California, Page 9B, Supervisor District 1, EnumerationDistrict 3. Roll: T625_151; Page: 9B; Image: 257.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedNOV 2019
Histories
Sprague, John Francis. Sprague's Journal of Maine History.Published: John Francis Sprague, Dover, ME, June 1916 p.74,78, 80-81
Coolidge, Austin J.; John B. Mansfield (1859). A Historyand Description of New England. Boston, Massachusetts. pp.109– 110 and 126.Gilman, Rhonda R., Gilman, Carolyn, and Stultz, Deborah M.The Red River Trails 1820-1870: Oxcart Routes between St.Paul and the Selkirk Settlement. Minnesota HistoricalSociety Press, 1979, p. 2, 9, 14, 19, 20, 34, 41, 42, 58,59, 73, 69-71, 73, 75, 81, 150, 151, and 347
Larson, Constance. History of Grant and Douglas Counties,Their People, Industries, and Institutions. B.F. Bowen &Company, 1916, Volume 1 p. 127, 153, 165, 174, 175, 178,202, 262, 267, 347, 348Swanson, Duane P. 1862: Before and Beyond. MinnesotaHistorical Society. Quarterly of Minnesota HistoricalSociety, Winter 2011-2012, 62nd Ed, Page 8.
Military Histories
Minnesota Board of Commissioners. Minnesota in the Civiland Indian Wars, 1861-1865. Pioneer Press Company, 1890-1893, p. 594 - 601. Major C.W. Nash's Narrative of Hatch'sIndependent Battalion of CalvaryHistorical Data Systems, Inc. U.S., American Civil WarRegiments, 1861-1866 [database on-line]. Hatch's CavalryBattalion Minnesota. Regimental History.<https://www.ancestry.com/sharing/18300972?h=644e64&utm_campaign=bandido-webparts&utm_source=post-share-modal&utm_medium=copy-url>
Babcock, Willoughby M. Minnesota's Frontier: A NeglectedSector of the Civil War Minnesota Historical Society,Minnesota History Magazine, undated, p. 284, 286
Johnson, Roy and Pfaller, Louis. Visit to Twin Lakes D.T.Stockade. 13 MAY 1951 Roy Johnson and Louis PfallerCollection: 1867-1975 Collection Number: 10691 Box: 19.Description of the Twin Lakes Stockade and location
Thomas W. Sprague Military Records
United States Army. Volunteer Enlistment Form. 15 JUL 1863.P. 1 and 2United States Army. Thomas W Sprague Compiled MilitaryService Record compiled [19 AUG 1891]. Hatch's Indpt. Cav.Batt'n Minn Company Muster-in Roll, cards 12019858,12019948, 12020423, 12020553, 12020636, 12020736, 12020832,12020934, 12021036, 12021137, 12021137, 12021240, 12021137,12021428, 12021519, and Muster Out Roll, 10 AUG 1863-09 JUN1866.
Minnesota Adjutant General. Civil War muster rolls,1861-1865. Hatch's Battalion of Minnesota Calvary andBrackett's Battalion of Minnesota Calvary compiled [ca.1865], line 610.
United States Army. Record of Events for Company B ofHatch's Independent Minnesota Calvary, 10 AUG 1863 – APR1866. Compiled Company Records [ca. 1891], Company MusterRolls 10 AUG 1863 – APR 1866.
United States Army. Record of Events for Regimental Fieldand Staff of Hatch's Independent Minnesota Calvary, 10 AUG1863 – APR 1866. Compiled Regimental Staff Records, Fieldand Staff Muster Roll SEP 1863 – JUN 1866.
United States Army. Record of Events for Regimental Fieldand Staff of Hatch's Independent Minnesota Calvary, 10 AUG1863 – APR 1866. Compiled Regimental Staff Records,Regimental Returns
Minnesota Adjunct General. Reports, 1866, page 3.
Thomas W. Sprague Military Pension Records
Adjutant General of Minnesota. Soldier's Application /Declaration for Invalid Pension (Act of June 27, 1890).Thomas W. Sprague's application, 24 MAY 1904, pages 1 and2.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Circular form 3-447,Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226, 13 JUL 1904.
United States War Department, Military Secretary's Office,Response to Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (nowU.S. Veterans Administration) Query for Thomas W Sprague'smedical data, 18 JUN 1904, Volunteer Service (Civil War orWar with Spain), p. 1 and 2.United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Circular form 3-115Surgeon's Certificate, Thomas W. Sprague pension number110550, 18 OCT 1905.United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Circular form 3-289,Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1317.226, 13 JUL 1904.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-370, Thomas W.Sprague pension number 1317.226, DEC 1904.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-730 Act of June27, 1890, folder, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-848 Act of June27, 1890, folder, Thomas W. Sprague pension number1317.226.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-356 InvalidPension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number1317.226, 24 MAY 1904.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Soldier's Application/Declaration for Increase under the Acts of June 27 1890and May 9, 1900, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500.26 JUN 1905.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-357 Act of June27, 1890, Invalid Pension Approval, Thomas W. Spraguepension number 1105500, 08 NOV 1905.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Soldier's Application/Declaration for Increase under the Act of February 6,1907, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500. 05 MAR1907.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-364 InvalidPension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number1317.226, 24 MAY 1904.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 109 ½ Soldier'sApplication /Declaration for Increase under the Act ofFebruary 6, 1907, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500.01 NOV 1909. Pages 1 and 2.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-364 InvalidPension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number1317.226, 24 MAY 1904. 17 NOV 1909.United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-104 Act of May11, 1912, Claim/Declaration for Pension, Thomas W. Spraguepension number 1105500. 28 MAY 1912. Pages 1 and 2.
United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Form 3-364 InvalidPension Approval, Thomas W. Sprague pension number 1105500,03 JUN 1912. 21 JAN 1913.United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions(now U.S. Veterans Administration), Act of May 11, 1912Pension Approval Form, Thomas W. Sprague pension number1105500, 31 OCT 1914.
Thomas W Sprague, Letter to Commissioner of Pensions, 04JAN 1915, requesting replacement pension certificate 1105500Sprague, Thomas, W. Letter to Com. of Pension notifyingthat pension increase not received. 09 MAR 1915
Dept. of Interior Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. VeteransAdministration), Form 3-389, certificate number 1105500requesting family information. 26 March 1915.
U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.1866-1938 Registry, Thomas W. Sprague, no. 20036. CompanyB, Hatch's Independent Battalion, Minnesota Cavalry, 15 JUL1863 - 9 JUN 1866
Pacific Branch National Home for Disabled VolunteerSoldiers. Form 37, Report of death of Thomas W Sprague.09MAR1923
Caroline M. Cook Sprague Military Pension Records
Sprague, Mrs. Carrie M. Letter to Department of theInterior, Bureau of Pensions, 19 JUL 1915.
Sprague, Mrs. Carrie M. Affidavit/ Declaration of Wifeunder the Act of March 3, 1899, 27 JUL 1915. To Departmentof the Interior, Bureau of Pensions.
Sprague, Mrs. Carrie M. Affidavit/ Declaration of Wifeunder the Act of March 3, 1899, 09 SEP 1915. To Departmentof the Interior, Bureau of Pensions. P. 1 and 2.
Scott, Phebe A., and Morisse, Henrietta G. CombinedAffidavit in the Matter of the Application of Caroline M.Sprague for one-half of the pension money of Thomas W.Sprague, 27 JUL 1915.
Morisse, Henrietta G. Affidavit in the Matter of theApplication of Caroline M. Sprague for one-half of thepension money of Thomas W. Sprague, 11 SEP 1915. Pages 1and 2.
Scott, Phebe A. Affidavit in the Matter of the Applicationof Caroline M. Sprague for one-half of the pension money ofThomas W. Sprague, 11 SEP 1915. Pages 1 and 2.
Sprague, Caroline M. Letter to Department of Interior,Bureau of Pensions, 10 JUN 1915. Request for 50% of ThomasSprague's pensionSprague, Caroline M. Letter to Department of Interior,Bureau of Pensions, 19 JUL 1915. Response to Bureau's LawDivision letter dated 17 JUN 1915
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Form 3-005 ,Wife ofPensioner/Declaration of Wife Under Act of March 3, 1899,Caroline M. Sprague. 27 JUL 1915. Pages 1 and 2
Law offices of Bone & Wright. Letter to Department ofInterior, Bureau of Pensions, 28 JULY 1915.
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Form 3-550, Congressional,Senator Knute Nelson. 06 SEP 1915.
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Law Division.Letter to Hon. Knute Nelson, 30 OCT 1915Department ofInterior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S. VeteransAdministration). Deposition of Caroline Mary [Cook] Spraguefor pension claim 1204912. 25 SEP 1923. Form 3-289a p. 1-5Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Deposition of Arthur FranklinSprague for pension claim 1204912. 11 OCT 1923. Form 3-289ap. 1-3
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Deposition of Caroline HarrietHill [nee Sprague] for pension claim 1204912. 23 FEB 1924.Form 3-289a p. 1-3
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Deposition of Deposition ofBlanche M. Hardy [nee Hill] for pension claim 1204912. 25SEP 1923. Form 3-289a pages 1 and 2
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Deposition of Clarence B Spraguefor pension claim 1204912. 14 MAR 1924. Form 3-289a p. 1and 2
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Deposition of Bela T Sprague forpension claim 1204912. 14 MAR 1924. Form 3-289a page 1
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Deposition of Deposition of JaneWells for pension claim 1204912. 23 FEB 1924. Form 3-289ap. 1 and 2
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Form 3-293, Claiment's FinalStatement, Caroline M. Sprague. 25 SEP 1923. Pages 1 and 2.Pro-bono assistance from Mr Bressani
United States Senate. Letter to Commission of Pensions fromSen. Burton K. Wheeler. U.S.S. Committee on Indian Affairs,letter, 11 JAN 1924.Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Widow's Pension, claim 1204912.23 MAR 1923 – 29 JUN 1924.
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions (now U.S.Veterans Administration). Form 3-267, Act of May 1, 1920,Widow's Pension, claim 1204912. 29 JUN 1924.
Dept of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Special Examiner E.L. Howard. Letter to Commissioner of Pensions reportingon pension claim 1204912. 24 MAR 1924. Letter.
Newspaper Articles
Alexandria Citizen. Communication. Whitcomb, George F. 23JUL 1922. Page unknown. Douglas County Minnesota HistoricalSocietyAlexandria Post (Minnesota). Obituary. 29 JAN 1886, page 4,column 3. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Alexandria Post. Old Times and Old Faces. R.A.D. Vol XIXThu April 22, 1897, Front Page. Douglas County MinnesotaHistorical SocietyAlexandria Post. Pioneer Woman of Alexandria Featured inStory Printed in St. Paul Dispatch. 28 JUL 1926. Pages 1and 10. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Alexandria Post. Death Notice. 16 DEC 1871. MinnesotaHistory Center, St. Paul, MN. Page 4, col. 1. DouglasCounty Minnesota Historical SocietyAlexandria Republican. Charlie Sprague Dies. 08 JUL 1896,page 4, column 6. Douglas County Minnesota HistoricalSociety
Douglas County News (Minnesota). Local Items. 19 MAY 1881,page 8, column 2. Douglas County Minnesota HistoricalSocietyDouglas County News (Minnesota). Died. 28 JAN 1886, page 4,column 1. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Douglas County News (Minnesota). Died, 15 November 1883, p.4. Column 1. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Lake Region Echo. County pioneer recalls events of yearsago. Alexandria Citizen,08 APR 1915. Whitcomb, George F.Reprinted in 18 JAN 1989. Douglas County MinnesotaHistorical Society
Park Region Echo. History of Douglas County, second storyin series. Thorton, R.S. 29 MAR 1949.
Park Region Echo. Southern Family Was Among EarliestSettlers. 11 MAR 1921, Page 1 Column 7 Douglas CountyMinnesota Historical SocietyPark Region Echo. Old Timer Write of the Early Settlers ofHolmes City. 18 MAR 1926, Page 3 Column 5. Douglas CountyMinnesota Historical Society
Park Region Echo. A Little History of the Early Settlers ofHolmes City., 23 April 1914 Page 1 Columns 1-2. DouglasCounty Minnesota Historical Society
Park Region Echo. Village of Homes City has InterestingHistory. Eva Emerson Wold, 23 NOV 1954. Douglas CountyMinnesota Historical Society
Park Region Echo. A Little History of the Early Settlers ofHolmes City. 23 April 1914 Page 1 Columns 1-2. DouglasCounty Minnesota Historical Society
The Saint Paul Globe. American Express Company Sales ofUnclaimed Goods Notice. 4 May 1880. Page 3 Column 5.www.newspapers.com/clip/40502731/the_saint_paul_globe/?xid=6
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The Minneapolis Star Tribune. American Express CompanySales of Unclaimed Goods Notice. 10 April 1891. Page 2Column 3.www.newspapers.com/clip/40503007/star_tribune/?xid=637subscription database
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Thomas W Sprague Dies atSwatelle. 14 MAR 1923. Page 5 Column 3.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40501814/obituary/?xid=637subscription database accessed DEC 2019
The Cloverdale Reveille. Personal. 06 APR 1917. Page 8Column 1.www.newspapers.com/clip/40502556/cloverdale_reveille/?xid=63
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Voter Registration Rolls and City Directories
California State Library. 1908 Great Register of Voters inAlameda Co. Roll 004 Page 409 Line # 180.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedDEC 2019
California State Library. 1912 Great Register of Voters inSonoma Co. Roll 1 (1900-1912) Page 1295 Line # 162.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedDEC 2019
California State Library. 1918 Great Register of Voters inSonoma Co. Roll 002 (1914-1922) Page 637 Line # 211.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedDEC 2019
California State Library. 1920 Great Register of Voters inSonoma Co. Roll 002 (1914-1922) Page 968 Line # 179.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedDEC 2019
California State Library. 1922 Great Register of Voters inSonoma Co. Roll 002 (1914-1922) Page 1332 Line # 284.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedDEC 2019
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995. Oakland, California CityDirectory, 1908. Page 590. Publisher: Polk and Husted, page1024.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedDEC 2019
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995. Oakland, California CityDirectory, 1909 page. Page 477. Publisher: Polk and Husted,page 824.http://www.ancestry.com, subscription database, accessedDEC 2019
Maps and Land
Douglas County MN. Land Transfer Book (oldest). Page 106.Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Douglas County MN. Land Assessment Roll for Alexandria,1890. Page 4. Douglas County Minnesota Historical Society
Brown & Wright, Bracher, William. Plat Book of DouglasCounty Minnesota. Northwest Publishing, 1886. DouglasCounty Minnesota Historical Society
Walling, Henry Francis. Map of Piscataquis County, Maine,1858. Lee & Marsh, 1885. Map.https://www.loc.gov/item/2012592369/ Accessed Nov 2019
Rcsprinter123. Piscataquis County Maine incorporated andunincorporated areas Dover-Foxcroft (CDP) highlighted. 17December 2015. Maphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Piscataquis_County_Maine_incorporated_and_unincorporated_areas_Dover-Foxcroft_(CDP)_highlighted.svg accessed NOV 2019
Google Maps. Possible Route from Dover-Foxcroft, ME toPrinceton, MN. https://www.google.com/maps accessed NOV 2019
Weiss, Richard. Map of the Red River Trail System withhighlights of Thomas Winslow Sprague's Military Service.Nov 2019. MapWarren, G. K., Cartographer, Meriwether Lewis, WilliamClark, and United States Office Of Explorations AndSurveys. Military map of Nebraska and Dakota. [Washington,D.C.?: Explorations and Surveys, War Dept., 1857] Map.https://raremaps.com/gallery/detail/57013/military-map-of-nebraska-and-dakota-by-lieut-gk-warren-warren accessed NOV2019
Warren, G. K., Cartographer, Meriwether Lewis, WilliamClark, and United States Office Of Explorations AndSurveys. Military map of Nebraska and Dakota. [Washington,D.C.?: Explorations and Surveys, War Dept., 1857] Map.https://raremaps.com/gallery/detail/57013/military-map-of-nebraska-and-dakota-by-lieut-gk-warren-warren accessed NOV2019
Warren, G. K., Cartographer, Meriwether Lewis, WilliamClark, and United States Office Of Explorations AndSurveys. Military map of Nebraska and Dakota. [Washington,D.C.?: Explorations and Surveys, War Dept., 1857] Maphttps://raremaps.com/gallery/detail/57013/military-map-of-nebraska-and-dakota-by-lieut-gk-warren-warren accessed NOV2019Google Maps. Twin Lakes Stockade Location. Map of Southwestquarter of Section 30, township 130, range 50.https://www.google.com/maps accessed NOV 2019
Weiss, Richard. Map of Old Crossing on Otter Tail River.Nov 2019. MapWeiss, Richard. Map of Old Crossing on Red Lake River. Nov2019. MapSchonberg's Atlas of the United States and Canada withMexico & the West Indies. Schonbergs Map of Minnesota1867. New York, Schonberg & Co. 1867. San Francisco: H.H.Bancroft & Co. Chicago: Goodspeed & Co. Entered 1867 bySchonberg & Co. New York https://www.davidrumsey.comaccessed Nov 2019
Brown & Wright, Bracher, William. Plat map of Holmes City,MN. Plat Book of Douglas County Minnesota. NorthwestPublishing, 1886. Douglas County Minnesota HistoricalSociety. MapChas. Shober & Co. Proprietors, Chicago Lith. Co. Map ofDouglas and Pope counties, Minn. A.T. Andreas, LakesideBuilding, Chicago, 1874. Page 184 www.davidrumsey.comaccessed Nov 2019
Ruger, A, Chicago Lithographing Co, and Ruger & Stoner.Bird's eye view of Austin, Mower County, Minnesota.[Madison, Wis., Ruger & Stoner, 1870] Map.https://www.loc.gov/item/73693451/ accessed NOV 2019
Ruger, A, and Merchant's Lithographing Company. Bird's eyeview of the city of Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota.[Chicago, Merchant's Lithographing Co, 1869] Map.https://www.loc.gov/item/73693463/Google Maps. Northern California Residences. Map of ThomasW Sprague's residences. https://www.google.com/mapsaccessed NOV 2019Map of Oakland and vicinity published by the Realty Union[cartographic material]; compiled from optical and otherdata by T. J. Allan ; T. R. Morcom, draughtsman.https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/13030/kt2m3nd0z2/ accessedDEC 2019Sanborn Map Company. Sanborn Fire Insurance Map fromOakland, Alameda County, California. 1903-1911. OaklandPublic Library Oakland History Room. Map
Ricksecker, L. E, W.B. Walkup & Co, and Britton & Rey.Official map of Sonoma County, California: compiled fromthe official maps in the County Assessor's Office, withadditions and corrections to June 1st. [San Francisco?:W.B. Walkup, 1900] Map.<https://www.loc.gov/item/2004629224/> accessed NOV2019California State Earthquake Investigation Commission. Mapof the city of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Californiashowing the portions destroyed by the earthquake of April18, 1906, and by the fire consequent thereto. EarthquakeInvestigation Commission. A. Hoen & Co., Baltimore.(Carnegie Institution of Washington. 1908)https://www.davidrumsey.com accessed DEC 2019 [3]
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1839 - 1923 (83 years)
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: Location
: City/Town
: County/Shire
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